Yes. While there is no Federal Law requiring the use of recycled newsprint, California state law mandates that 50% of the newsprint used must contain at least 40% recycled fiber content. 2001 was the last year in the gradual increase of state mandated recycled content (from 30% when the law began in 1994 to the current cap of 50%). The percentage of newsprint (with at least 40% recycled fiber content) used by the San Francisco Chronicle:
– 53% in 2005
– 60% in 2004
– 56% in 2003
– 50% in 2002
– 50% in 2001
– 45% in 2000
– 40% in 1998
– 35% in 1996
– 30% in 1994
The San Francisco Chronicle is produced using the flexographic printing process. The "flexographic" process, unlike the "offset" process used by the majority of other papers (USA Today, NY Times, LA Times, etc.) is known for its inherent environmental benefits. These benefits include (a) the use of water based inks (eliminating the need for petroleum-based cleaners and extenders, eliminating ink rub-off and set-off, reduced show through, etc.) and (b) the ability to use lighter basis-weight (thinner) newsprint. Offset uses 30 lb and 32 lb newsprint, while flexo uses 27.7 lb newsprint.
Our newsprint comes from the Pacific Northwest and Canada, and it is produced from wood chips and other by-products of the lumber/timber industries. Trees are not cut-down specifically for newsprint.
As stated earlier, our ink is water-based and is environmentally friendly. The pigments used to color the inks are free of heavy metals and toxic products. We are completely safe to use as compost.